Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: ArcMan on September 03, 2008, 02:21:00 PM

Title: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: ArcMan on September 03, 2008, 02:21:00 PM
I need to make a collapsable tubing frame for an accessory to my yard robot.  It will basically form a box shape.  I will make a heavy duty fabric liner which will slide over the top tubes to hold leaves.  I want to be able to easily disassemble the box and store it in a small space when I'm done with it.  This is the best idea I could think of for a lightweight collapsable box that holds alot of leaves.  When it's full, I intend to pick it up off of the robot and dump the leaves into the pile.

My question is this:  I've seen those tubing structures that have the corner box fittings with X, Y and Z connections.  Does anyone know where I can get these?

Also, I would love to hear other ideas for a lightweight collapsable box.
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: RobD on September 03, 2008, 03:09:33 PM
You might check out the ATM (amatuer telescope making) websites.  Some of the big portable Dobsonian scopes use a collapseable truss mount design. 
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: waymental on September 03, 2008, 03:13:34 PM
use pvc. I made a paintball gun stand that folded up and went in my case with my gun.
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: pomprocker on September 03, 2008, 03:24:47 PM
how about buy a cheap tent, and re-engineer it?
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: Iron Man on September 04, 2008, 07:17:00 AM
8020, with hinges and what not?
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: ArcMan on September 04, 2008, 08:22:22 AM
I wasn't thinking of hinges, but that's a possibility.  I was thinking of solid corner connectors from which the frame rods could easily be installed and removed.
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: Admin on September 06, 2008, 09:15:54 PM
I've seen collapsible laundry bag thingies.

Also kinda sounds like a lawn chair, modified of course . . .
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: Gertlex on September 07, 2008, 10:43:57 PM
The first idea that came to mind for me (and only one before I read the rest of the thread) is two rectangles of tubing, connected to each other in the middle of their long sides.

When open, they'd form a big X.  The fabric would go around this and prevent them from closing back up.  When Closed, they'd be almost parallel || (though really, it'd just be a very steep X)  A zipper on the fabric would be opened in order to let the boxes close.

Hopefully that's a helpful idea :)
Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: stan on September 08, 2008, 12:42:53 AM
baby play pens and strollers have fold up joints strong fabrics.....most are tube construction.

Title: Re: Collapsable Tubing Frame
Post by: ArcMan on September 08, 2008, 11:28:29 AM
baby play pens and strollers have fold up joints strong fabrics.....most are tube construction.

That's it.  It should work great.  Admin's lawn chair idea is good, too.  But this would be much bigger, which is what I was thinking about.

Thanks all.